Portable projection device

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a portable integrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission, entertainment and public governance which comprises a housing that accommodates a plurality of sub-assemblies. The sub-assemblies include a projector for projecting video and digital data into a predetermined ultra large size image over a surface external to the housing, a means for recording, reproducing and storing audio, video and/or digital data onto and/or from an external disk and an internal storage unit, a computational circuit for receiving and processing data input through an input device and adapted to be connected to a network and a television tuner card adapted to receive a plurality of television signal data. The sub-assemblies are in preconnected relationship with each other such that the sub-assemblies are operated by ON-OFF of a single button and the device becomes extremely compact, portable and easy to use.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electronic devices andmore specifically to a portable integrated multimedia electronic devicebuilt on convergence technology, particularly for use in, but notlimited to receipt, storage and processing of digital and/or analogsignals from satellites, broadcasts, telecasts, recording means and forultra-large size display of images, for community use in the areas ofeducation, shared learning, emergency and disaster handling, communityawareness, promotional and publicity campaigns, public governance,entertainment, internet, broadcast access and so on.

BACKGROUND ART

In the current economic and social scenario, there exists widespreadawareness of and demand for multi-media content and its receipt,storage, processing, transmission and display on a community level.Various communities which seek and need the aforesaid include families,schooling communities, village councils and gatherings, publicgovernance officials, investor communities, members, governing bodies,boards and councils of public bodies, communities, public and privateenterprises and the like.

Current technology requires use of several different, complex andexpensive electronic devices and systems for the fulfillment of each ofthe aforesaid requirements for any or all of the said communities.Currently, the products available for such purposes include multi-mediacomputers, television sets, large format electronic display devices,audio players, VCD players, DVD players, game stations, projectors andspecial projection screens. Each of these products seeks to address oneor more of the stated community requirements. Some of such products are:

-   -   a). Large field of view device for community uses.    -   b). Superwide angle lens for larger images.    -   c). Mobile entertainment systems combining projector, DVD player        and hard disk drive.    -   d). Hyperformance home theatres.    -   e). Devices for connecting and using multiple products in        conjunction.    -   f). Combination of multimedia computer and television.

Summarized below are descriptions of such products in the prior artwhich seek to satisfy one or more of the aforesaid communityrequirements:

a). Large Field of View Device for Community Uses

One such attempt to provide a large field of view for communitypresentation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,238 which teaches aninvention on an image projection display system for use in largefield-of-view presentation, comprising a fold-mirror image arrangementand a plurality of projection devices. The use of this system is limitedto simulation, leisure, computer aided design or visualization wheremulti-channel displays are to be used to immerse the observer to somedegree in an alternative environment. This system highlights thedifficulties inherent in providing large format displays of images ataffordable prices.

b). Superwide Angle Lens for Larger Images

Another known device uses a superwide angle lens which projects a 60inch image at a distance of 1.5 meters and a wider 100 inch image at adistance of 2.4 meters. [See the Hitachi website at www.hitachi.com formultimedia mobile LCD projector model CP X275].

c). Mobile Entertainment Systems Combining Projector, DVD Player andHard Disk Drive

The REX mobile entertainment system—Bronze which won the AustralianDesign Award [see the Australian design awards website atdesignaward.com.au/ADA/0101/STUDENT%2-DESIGN/610/6101 features acombination of 3 currently available products, an ultra-portableprojector, a portable DVD [digital video disc ] player, and a portablehard disk drive. But the system is not suitable for community usebecause it lacks a portable integration of computing, TV viewing, andinteractive functions and the simplicity of operation required forcommunity use.

d). Hyperformance Home Theatres

The HT-400 Series Home Theatre PC from Hyperformance Solutions [seewww.hyperformancesolutions.com/HTPC/HT-400.htm] provides the functionsof a VCR, CD player, DVD player, video scaler, video de-interlacer andpersonal computer in one unit which connects to the home TV. Apart frombeing relatively expensive, it presents many disadvantages as regardscommunity usage.

-   -   e). Devices for connecting and using multiple products in        conjunction The U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,419 granted to Ko Yoonyang        features a single device to which various input and output        devices can be conveniently and easily attached. However, the        teachings of        this U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,419 suffer from the following drawbacks        and disadvantages.

1) The device as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,419 is anaggregation of known sub-assemblies which is not sufficientlyuser-friendly as many connections have to be made in the front portionof the device for various input and output devices, and also the devicesummons on the part of the user, familiarity and knowledge of differenttypes of connectors and cables, which cannot be expected and assumed tobe available with new users, particularly in rural areas in developingcountries where technology percolation is low.

2) The device involves external connection of various input and outputdevices and hence does not provide a portable integrated system; henceit is susceptible to damage, loss or vandalism.

3) The display of images is limited to large format electronic displaysor the use of a separate projector for projecting the images of theoutput devices, which have inherent display size limitations.

4) The device is relatively expensive to procure and operate and islikely to be beyond the reach of most rural communities in India andother developing countries.

5) The device requires a special controller which may be difficult forrural and uneducated persons to operate.

6) Since the device requires a multiplicity of input and output devicesthe use of several voltage stabilizing devices and uninterrupted powersupply devices would become indispensable in rural India and otherlocations where power supply is not reliable and steady, leading toadditional complexity and overall cost increase of the device.

7) The device relies on an exclusive operating system and main programinstalled on a chip which limits the options for upgrading and alsoincreases the costs of up gradation.

8) The device needs a specially devised “Integrated environmentalcentral processing unit” in addition to the central processing units insome of the connected devices.

9) The device does not provide for a ‘single’ button start-up function.

f). Combination of Multimedia Computer and Television

A further attempt to provide an integrated electronic device is acombination of multi-media computer and television apparatus disclosedin US Patent application publication Nos. 20020050083 and 20020021420 byM/s. Zarelius Gister and Yaniv Svi respectively. The above devicescombine two expensive systems to provide a choice of displays ofcomputer (data) signals or TV broadcast signals but are limited in theirdisplays to the size of large format TV sets, which inherently limittheir use to families. An audience of, say, 50 to 100 people would havedifficulty in using such a device.

SUMMARY OF PRIOR ART

From the foregoing discussion with regard to the prior art devices, andfrom an overall perspective, all the devices mentioned above:

(i) Are susceptible to damage, loss or vandalizing in community use (ii)Present formidable cultural and technological barriers to new users;

(iii) Present technological and budgetary challenges for up-gradation,maintenance and obsolescence mitigation.

Apart from the above drawbacks, the above devices require large storageand usage spaces, peripheral and auxiliary devices and facilitiesincluding temperature controls, dust controls and security.

Therefore, there has been a need for development of a portableintegrated-electronic device which combines multitude of functions asdiscussed above for use in receipt, storage and processing of digitaland/or analog signals from satellites, broadcasts, telecasts, recordingmeans and for ultra-large size display of images, for community use inthe areas of education, shared learning, emergency and disasterhandling, community awareness, promotional and publicity campaigns,public governance, entertainment, internet and broadcast access and soon.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the objects and advantages of the present invention are setout herein below:

1) An object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein the device integrates thefunctions of an Internet enabled multi-media computer, television, audioplayer, VCD player, DVD player, game station and a data projector in asingle portable housing.

2) An object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein the device has all thecomponents of various sub-assemblies pre-connected and configured sothat the complicated process of connecting various sub-assemblies byuser, is substantially eliminated.

3) Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein due to the preconnectedarrangement of the sub-assemblies, the device enables extremely easyuse, as the user has to press only one button to switch on all thefunctions of the device which can be easily controlled and operatedusing a single remote control device.

4) Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein the device combines variouskinds of data sources inside one portable common housing (box) andallows teaching more creatively as users have simultaneous access tovarious kinds of resources such as text, audio, video processing andapplications, which can be used when needed to make teaching moreinteresting and interactive.

5) Another object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein by making the data projectoran integral part of the device, the device enables projecting a largeimage anywhere on any plain surface or wall without the requirement of aspecial screen or devices for viewing a large projected image.

6) Another object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein the device could be used inlarge groups or community situations whereby the same information can beshared by and explained to a large audience, leading to more efficientand effective learning and interactive presentation of information invarious forms.

7) Another object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein the device is conceived as acombination of state-of-the-art components and sub-assemblies, with amodular design which allows upgrading of components as new technologiesappear, so that the device keeps pace with the developments intechnologies; and always presents the best combination of features at agiven time, integrated in an efficient combination.

8) Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portableintegrated electronic device for community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance wherein the device is compact insize thereby allowing it to be fitted in one corner of the communityroom, discussion room or classroom and thereby substantially letting thecenter table or the main space free for other productive uses.

9) As a result of the combination of the functions of an internetenabled multimedia computer with TV, Audio/VCD/DVD player, internal harddisk and data projector in one single, portable device, a number ofadvantages accrue from the synergy of the combination which are notavailable when the individual products are used alone.

The advantages of synergy resulting from the combination of functions inthe present invention as compared to separate products are listed below:

As Audio Player

The combination of hard disk storage with an audio player eliminates theneed for storage of audio content on separate media (CDs/cassettes etc.)as such content can be sorted on the internal hard disk. By having allthe audio content on the internal hard disk the need to separatelyprotect and store safely a collection of CDs and Cassettes iseliminated.

The combination of audio CD player with the computer permits all theaudio content to be catalogued, ordered and stored in variouscombinations, and played immediately at will through software search.This saves the time required to search and play the desired content.

The combination of audio player with the internal hard disk storage ofall audio content eliminates the need for physically inserting differentCDs to play such CDs; and any audio content on the hard disk can beselected and played using the remote control device.

The combination of audio player with a large format data projector andcomputer allows any music to be played along with dynamic visuals on thelarge screen, through the various media players available as software onthe computer. Hearing and seeing the music simultaneously on the largescreen provides a new audio-visual experience for the music, as comparedto conventional audio players.

As a Large Format Television

The device gives large format television viewing in a size up to 300inches, which is much larger than the commercially available largeformat plasma or projection television

The device occupies very little space as compared to the huge bulk ofthe large format TVs. It can be kept on a shelf on the wall, so that thecomplete floor space is free, and results in considerable space saving.

The combination of TV tuner and multi-media projector allows users tovary the size of the projected image depending on space availability;which is not possible with large format TVs, which have a fixed screensize and enable viewing in one size only.

As the image is projected on any plain surface or wall, no specialelectronic display devices such as plasma displays or projector screensare required to be installed.

The projected image is the flattest possible without any thickness orweight, and disappears when there is no projection, thus eliminating theneed to protect an expensive display device.

The small size of the device according to the present invention allowsthe device to be locked away securely when not in use, thus making iteasy to protect—which is an important advantage in community usesituations.

As a DVD/VCD Player

The combination of DVD/VCD player with the data projector allows DVD/VCDcontent to be displayed in ultra large sizes of about 300 inches,providing movie theatre experience, which is much superior as comparedto the large format projection TVs or plasma displays.

Preferred content can be stored on the hard disk enabling it to beplayed at will from a distance without having to insert individualDVDs/VCDs.

As a Gaming Station.

The combination of the computer and projector in one unit allows gamesto be displayed in ultra-large size, thus providing an enhancedenveloping viewing/participatory experience while playing games. Typicalgenres of games such as Car and Motorcycle races, Action, SpaceAdventure, Thrillers all provide heightened experience when played inultra-large size.

As a Multimedia Internet computer

The combination of projector and the computer in one unit allowsinternet and multimedia content to be shared by a large audience,allowing participatory viewing by a community of users. Group viewing inlarge size enables more comfortable viewing of the content together withfamily and friends, such as from the living room sofa or the bed; ascompared to viewing on the small computer screen where one has to situpright close to the computer.

New Possibilities

A large number of new use possibilities emerge because of the smallsize, portability and the ultra large projected image. Some of these arelisted below:

The devices of the invention will be the only piece of equipmentrequired for showing content to a large group of people; reducing theinvestment required to equip an AV [audio-visual] room for alleducational situations such as schools, coaching classes, trainingcentres, seminars , community centres etc.; thus making possibleemergence of many such group learning centres at low costs. By commonexplanation to a large audience, substantial time and effort savingswill result by not having to repeat the same content or message tosmaller groups repeatedly.

The low investment required will allow opening of small mediacentres/video theatres; thus resulting in new business opportunities forthe small entrepreneurs.

Being a single portable product, which can be rented easily, it willdevelop a rental business opportunity for the product.

By carrying it in a vehicle, and drawing power from the battery of thevehicle; the device could function as a mobile device for promotion andawareness programmes in the remotest parts of countries and provinceswhere there may be no electricity supply.

By attaching a web-camera, the device will allow live video-conferencingin the remotest areas, thus allowing better management of disastersituations etc., by allowing two sided live exchange of images andconversation. The video-conferencing in remote areas will alsofacilitate e-governance to better monitor and govern the situation inthe field by direct viewing from the seat of governance.

Further objects and advantages become apparent from a consideration ofthe drawings and the ensuing descriptions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a portable integrated electronic device, comprising 6major sub-assembles, providing all the functions of an internet enabledmulti-media computer; television, ultra-large image display, audioplayer, VCD player, DVD player, game station and a data projector in onesingle portable box. All components of various sub-assemblies arepre-connected and configured; so that the complicated process ofconnecting various different products has been eliminated. The device isextremely easy to use, as the user has to press only one button toswitch on all the functions of the product, which can be easilycontrolled using a single remote control. The combination of variouskinds of data sources inside one common box, allows access to variouskinds of resources: text, audio, video, processing, and applications,which can be used when needed to make teaching, sharing, processing anddisplay of content more interesting and interactive.

By making the data projector an integral part of the product, a largeimage can be projected anywhere on any plain surface or wall. No specialscreen or devices are needed for seeing the large projected image.

The large image allows the product to be used in large groups orcommunity situations; whereby the same information can be shared by andexplained to a large audience, leading to a more efficient and effectivelearning and interaction situation.

The low investment required will allow opening of small mediacenters/video theatres; thus resulting in new business opportunities forthe small entrepreneur.

Being a single portable product, which can be rented easily, it willdevelop a rental business opportunity for the product.

By carrying it in a vehicle, and drawing power from the battery of thevehicle; it would function as a mobile device for promotion andawareness program in the remotest parts where there may be noelectricity supply.

By attaching a web-camera, it will allow live video-conferencing in theremotest areas, thus allowing better management of disaster situationsetc., by allowing two sided live exchange of images and conversation.The video-conferencing in remote areas will also facilitate e-governanceto better monitor the situation in field by direct viewing from the seatof governance.

Further objects and advantages will be apparent from a consideration ofthe drawings and the ensuing description.

In sum, the present invention is a portable integrated electronic devicefor receipt, storage, processing and transmission of multi-media signalsand ultra large size display of images, for education, entertainment,shared community use, governance and social interaction and integrationfor various communities.

A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in thefollowing description and appended claims taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being given and in order topromote a better understanding of the characteristics of the inventionin accordance with a practical embodiment of the same and as an integralpart of the said description a set of drawings accompany it in which, inan illustrative and non-restrictive way, the following are represented:

FIG. 1 is an overall external view of the integrated electronic deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the device according to the presentinvention showing the overall arrangement and the interface presented tothe user for using the device.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the device showing the configuration withthe projector module on top and the data module below, with integratedspeakers, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an overall external view of the rear side of the deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic arrangement of the various sub-assemblies insidethe device for the configuration with the projector module on top andthe data module below according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A shows the device with the projector module and the data modulekept side by side according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B shows the device with the projector module and data modulearranged according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an overall external view of the device in a compact,ultra-portable form using miniature components.

FIG. 8 is an overall schematic view of a preferred form of the singleremote control for use with the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description of the preferred embodiments and best modes forpracticing the invention are described herein.

The present invention discloses a portable integrated electronic devicefor use in community learning, data transmission, entertainment andpublic governance.

The device may also be used effectively in emergency and disasterhandling, awareness creation, product promotion, advertisement,entertainment; internet broadcast access and a variety of purposes.

The integrated electronic device (hereinafter referred to as device)according to the present invention comprises a housing whichaccommodates a plurality of sub-assemblies which are described in detailin the further part of this description.

FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, the device comprises a portable housing(1) which is easy to carry by hand from one location to another forcommunity use. The housing (1) may be made of a material such as metal,alloy or composite material which is preferably used for housingmaterial of conventional electronic devices.

Preferably, the housing (1) has a box shape comprising a front panel(II) and a rear panel (12) (see FIG. 4).

Alternatively, the housing (1) may be configured to have any size, shapeand ergonomics so as to be portable and enable carrying by hand from onelocation to another especially for community purposes.

This invention also contemplates a housing which may be temporarily orpermanently fixed at a specific location in places such as railwaystations, community halls, event halls, parks and other public andprivate establishments for addressing a community of people and whichmay be carried by hand or by suitable carrier vehicles such as trolleys,carts, trucks etc.

The sub-assemblies include:

(i). an apparatus for projecting video and digital data into apredetermined ultra large size image over a surface external to thehousing;

(ii) an apparatus for recording, reproducing and storing audio, videoand/or digital data onto and/or from an external disk and an internalstorage unit;

(iii). a computational circuit for receiving and processing data inputthrough an input device and adapted for connection onto a network; and

(iv). a television tuner card adapted for receiving a plurality oftelevision signal data.

The sub-assemblies are configured in preconnected relationship with eachother whereby the device is compact and easy to use.

The term “preconnected” is used herein in this application to state thatthe device has all the components of various sub-assemblies internallyconnected and configured such that the user has to press only one buttonto switch ON all the functions of the device thereby eliminating thecomplicated process of connecting various sub-assemblies by user,enabling extreme ease of use and operation by a single remote controldevice.

The sub-assemblies may be grouped into one or more modules within thehousing (1) or may be individually housed without such modulararrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the sub-assemblies (ii), (iii) and (iv) aregrouped into one module hereinafter referred to as a data module (3) andthe sub-assembly (i) is configured as a separate module hereinafterreferred to as a projector module (2).

The projector module (2) projects video and digital data into apredetermined ultra large size image over a surface external to thehousing (1). The video data may be for example data such as that fromcable, satellite or broadcast television or from video compact discs ordigital video discs and digital data may be data such as a textinformation, graphics, or visual output of various application softwareprograms. The size of the display is suitable for community use andpreferably is in the range of 21 inches to 300 inches when diagonallymeasured.

In one embodiment, a combo-drive unit (5) is incorporated for recording,reproducing and storing audio, video and/or digital data onto and/orfrom an external disk and an internal storage unit.

The combo-drive unit (5) may include a Digital Video Disk (DVD) Player,Video Compact Disk (VCD) Player, Audio Compact Disk (ACD) Player and/orRecorder, MP3 Player and CDR/CD-RW or a combination apparatus thereof.

Alternatively, a DVD Player, a VCD Player, an Audio CD Player and/orrecorder, an MP3 Player or a CDR/CD-RW may also be housed separately orin selective combination in the device as desired and based on therequirement and use.

The external disk may be a conventional storage disk such as a compactdisk, a laser disk, a Digital Video Disk or substantially similar suchexisting and future versions of external storage disks.

The internal storage unit may be a hard disk or a memory chip forstoring video and digital data.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention (see FIG. 1), theprojector module (2) is located at the upper part of the housing (1)while the data module (3) is located at the lower part of the housing(1) such that the projector module (2) and the data module (3) arestacked along the vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the projector module (2) is located beside thedata module (3) as shown in FIG. 6A, in which case the height of thecabinet housing (1) is apparently reduced while the width of the housing(1) is increased.

According to further embodiment of the present invention, the projectormodule (2) is located preferably at the left hand side of the datamodule (3) as shown in FIG. 6B.

The position of the projector module (2) and the data module (3) may befurther altered say for example the projector module (2) and the datamodule (3) may be arranged in a back-to-back configuration.

All such modifications and positional arrangements of the projectormodule (2) and the data module (3) are for the sake of convenience instorage and use of the device and are well contemplated and deemed to bewithin the scope this invention.

FIG. 2 & FIG. 3. The housing (1) comprises an opening preferably at thefront panel (11) for mounting a lens front (4) of the projector module(2). Another opening is provided at the front panel (11) of the housing(1), for mounting the combo-drive unit (5). A button (6) for switchingON and OFF of the device, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, is mounted at a location adjacent to or below thecombo-drive unit (5) within the front panel (11) of the housing (1). Aknob (7) for volume control is preferably mounted on the front panel(11) at a location suitable for convenient operation by the user.

The positional arrangement of the lens front (4), combo-drive unit (5)and knob (7) as described in the foregoing description is meant for easyaccessibility and use of the device by the user. The above positionalarrangement may be modified according to the requirement of theindividuals. Referring to FIG. 3, a pair of speaker grills (8) of anaudio amplifier circuit (not illustrated) is mounted one on each sidewall of the housing (1). The audio amplifier circuit is operable inconjunction with the sub-assemblies.

FIG. 4. Preferably, the rear panel (12) of the housing (1) comprises oneor more ports (13) for connecting to external peripheral devices such asremote keyboard, camera, printer, scanner, etc. for use along with thedevice as desired. A plurality of ports (14), (15) & (16) are providedat the rear panel (12) for respectively connecting to a network such asLAN and internet source, and input such as RF input for receiving TVsignals through cable/antenna. A power socket (17) is preferablyprovided at the rear panel (12) of the housing (1) for connecting to anelectrical power source.

A common remote control (as illustrated in FIG. 8) may be fully orpartly incorporated for remote operation of the device.

FIG. 5. Illustrates the arrangement of various sub-assemblies associatedwith the device according to the present invention. The data module (3)comprises a base (18) mounted with a chassis (19) on the inner side.Within the data module (3), a motherboard (10), an audio amplifier card(21), a TV tuner card (22), a CPU (23), a hard disk (24) and a Powersupply (20) are mounted. The TV tuner card (22) is capable of receivinga plurality of television signal data. All the sub-assemblies of thedevice are internally preconnected so as to be operated by a singleON-OFF button (6).

A common power supply (20) supplies electric power to the projectormodule (2), the TV-Tuner card (22), the audio amplifier card (21) andthe speakers (8), the motherboard (10) and the CPU (23), the hard disk(24) and the combo-drive (5). The entire unit is switched on byactivating the ON-OFF button (6) on the anterior end of the housing (1).The RGB signals of the processed data from both the computer unit andthe TV tuner are connected to the RGB input of the projector module (2),making the projector module capable of displaying both the TV and the PCdata.

A remote control (see FIG. 8) for operation of the device comprises aset of controls (25) for projector operation, control (26) for computeroperation, control (27) for television, all combined in one unit.

The TV tuner card (22) is connected to external TV signals via a cableconnection on the rear panel (12), for receiving terrestrial TVbroadcast signals through an antenna cable, or cable TV signals througha subscribed cable connection.

The PC unit comprising the CPU (23) is connected to the internal harddisk (24) for storing the system software, application programmes andcontent. External data can be input through the combo-drive (5) in theform of DVDs, VCDs and CDs allowing viewing of data as well as loadingof application programmes. The CD write function of the combo drive (5)allows processed data to be written on an external disc for datatransfer.

The ports (14, 15, 16) provided on the posterior of the device allowconnectivity for various functions as and when required. For example, anumber of USB/Firewire (IEEE 1394) ports allow various devices (such aswireless receiver, keyboard, scanner, printer, camera, etc. to beconnected. The Ethernet port (14) allows sharing of files with othercomputer on the network or to connect to internet through a cableconnection. The modem port (15) provides connectivity to the internetand the World Wide Web through a telephone line. The TV cable portprovides connectivity to incoming signals either through an antennacable or through subscription cable service.

The unit can be set to work in either TV or in PC mode through the useof a remote control, as well as with the controls provided the audiovolume.

In the TV mode, the projector displays the incoming TV signals, withchannel selection by the remote controls, which also controls the audiovolume.

When used in the PC mode, the projector projects the output of theprocessed video signal from the PCT in a large format on any plainsurface.

The device can be switched from TV to the PC mode anytime during thenormal working of the device, enabling the user to switch between the TVand PC functions at will.

FIGS. 7 and 8. In a further embodiment, the device has all thesub-assemblies such as the projector module (2), speaker grill (8), datamodule (3) with combo-drive (5), lens front (4) of the projector module(2), ON-OFF switch (6), all configured in miniature form and size tomake the entire device compact enough as desired.

It will be noted in this connection that, in order to remedy thedisadvantages of the sections of the prior art, the applicant is actingcontrary to what this known art was teaching, since whereas apparatussuch as projectors, television, internet enabled computer, CD Player,DVD Player and so on have always been employed in the art for communitylearning, data transmission, entertainment purposes, either individuallyor in combination with one or more devices such as a television and acomputer, computer and a projector, television and CD Player within acommon housing or as an externally connected cluster of one or more ofthe abovementioned devices, the applicant proposes to principally employthe convergence of apparatus (referred to as sub-assemblies in thisapplication) viz., the projector, the combo-drive unit, the internetenabled computer, the television, and an internal storage unit such ashard disk, within one compact and portable housing wherein thesub-assemblies are preconnected such that the device is suitable for andextremely easy to use in community learning, data transmission,entertainment and public governance.

Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed outfundamental novel features of the present invention as applied topreferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive and various omissions, substitutions and changes inthe form and details of the methods described may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinationsof those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially thesame function in substantially the same way to achieve the same resultsare within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements fromone described embodiment to another are also fully intended andcontemplated. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only asindicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. All changes whichcome within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to beembraced within their scope.

1. A portable, integrated, electronic, interactive device for community learning, data transmission, entertainment, and public governance comprising: (a) a housing (b) said housing accommodating a plurality of sub-assemblies (c) said sub-assemblies including: i. a computational circuit for generating, receiving, processing, and data input through an input device and adapted to be connected to a network, as well as various digital data communication devices; and ii. a recording device for recording, reproducing and storing audio, video and/or digital data onto and/or from an external disk and an internal storage unit coupled to said computational circuit; iii. a television tuner card coupled to said recording device and adapted to receive a plurality of television signal data; iv. a projecting device for projecting video and digital data into a predetermined ultra large size image over a surface external to the housing; coupled to said recording device, computational circuit and television tuner card; wherein said sub-assemblies are in pre-connected relationship with each other whereby the device is extremely compact, portable and easy to use.
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises an audio amplifier circuit operable in conjunction with the sub-assemblies.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the sub-assemblies are operable by a single ON-OFF switch.
 4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a front panel and a rear panel and/or the sub-assemblies are operated by an ON-OFF switch located at the front panel of the housing.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the computational circuit is preferably a multimedia computer.
 6. The device according to claim 1 wherein the recording device for recording, reproducing and storing audio, video and/or digital from an external disk is an audio CD player, a VCD player, a DVD player, an MP3 player, a CD-R/CD-RW or a combination apparatus thereof.
 7. The device according to claim 1 combined with an ultra large size display and wherein the size of the ultra large size display is preferably in the range of about 21 inches to about 300 inches diagonal measure.
 8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a plurality of ports at the rear panel for connecting the device to a network, input for receiving television signals through cable or antenna.
 9. The device according to claim 1 wherein a common power supplies power to the sub-assemblies; and/or a remote control is used to control the operation of the sub-assemblies.
 10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the sub-assemblies (ii), (iii) and (iv) are configured as a first module and the sub-assembly (i) is configured as a second module.
 11. The device according to claim 10 wherein: the first module is a data module; and/or the second module is a projection module; and/or the first module is located adjoining above or besides the second module; and/or the first module and the second module are arranged in back-to-back adjoining configuration. 